- Table View
- List View
WTF, Evolution?!: A Theory of Unintelligible Design
by Mara GrunbaumWe all have our off days. Why should Evolution be any different? Maybe Evolution got carried away with an idea that was just a little too crazy—like having the Regal Horned Lizard defend itself by shooting three-foot streams of blood from its eyes. Or maybe Evolution ran out of steam (Memo to Evolution: The Irrawaddy Dolphin looks like a prototype that should have been left on the drawing board). Or maybe Evolution was feeling cheeky—a fish with hands? Joke’s on you, Red Handfish! Or maybe Evolution simply goofed up: How else to explain the overgrown teeth of the babirusas that curl backward over their face? Oops. Mara Grunbaum is a very smart, very funny science writer who celebrates the best—or, really, the worst—of Evolution’s blunders. Here are more than 100 outlandish mammals, reptiles, insects, fish, birds, and other creatures whose very existence leaves us shaking our heads and muttering WTF?! Ms. Grunbaum’s especially brilliant stroke is to personify Evolution as a well-meaning but somewhat oblivious experimenter whose conversations with a skeptical narrator are hilarious. For almost 4 billion years, Evolution has produced a nonstop parade of inflatable noses, bizarre genitalia, and seriously awkward necks. What a comedian!
Wuftoom: A Novel
by Mary G. ThompsonEveryone thinks Evan is sick . . . Everyone thinks science will find a cure. But Evan knows he is not sick; he is transforming. Evan's metamorphosis has him confined to his bed, constantly terrified, and completely alone. Alone except for his visits from the Wuftoom, a wormlike creature that tells him he is becoming one of them. Clinging to his humanity and desperate to help his overworked single mother, Evan makes a bargain with the Vitflies, the sworn enemies of the Wuftoom. But when the bargain becomes blackmail and the Vitflies prepare for war, whom can Evan trust? Is saving his humanity worth destroying an entire species, and the only family he has left?
Wyatt Burp Rides Again
by Greg Trine Frank W. DormerSuperhero Jo Schmo has a problem: There aren't any crimes to fight in San Francisco! So she and her doggy sidekick Raymond build a time machine and head back to the Gold Rush Days to track down the notorious burping outlaw Wyatt Burp. Meanwhile, trouble is brewing back in the present time. Two mean girls have it in for Jo, and they're lying in wait for her with a wrecking ball. If Wyatt and his Hole in the Head gang don't get her, Gertrude and Betty will. Look out, Jo!
Wylie: The Brave Street Dog Who Never Gave Up
by Pen Farthing'When people gave up on Wylie, Wylie refused to give up on people.'For a street dog born in the city of Kandahar, Afghanistan, to be crowned top dog at Scruffts, a competition for crossbreeds held during Crufts, the largest dog show on earth, is nothing short of a miracle. But for Wylie, the gentle, cropped eared ball of fur, miracles seemed to happen quite regularly. Beaten and abused while being used as a bait dog, Wylie suffered terrible injuries that needed urgent treatment. Rescued close to death, with hacked off ears and a severed tail, he was attended to by soldiers who feared he would not last the night. Astonishingly he did, only to return days later with new injuries. However a lifeline came when he was handed over to animal welfare Charity Nowzad and flown to Britain in the hope of finding a new life. But would anyone take a chance on a seemingly nervous and undomesticated stray? Luckily for Wylie his biggest adventure yet was about to begin...This is the incredible and heart-warming story, full of tragedy and triumph, of a dog who never gave up hope.
Wylie: The Brave Street Dog Who Never Gave Up
by Pen Farthing'When people gave up on Wylie, Wylie refused to give up on people.'For a street dog born in the city of Kandahar, Afghanistan, to be crowned top dog at Scruffts, a competition for crossbreeds held during Crufts, the largest dog show on earth, is nothing short of a miracle. But for Wylie, the gentle, cropped eared ball of fur, miracles seemed to happen quite regularly. Beaten and abused while being used as a bait dog, Wylie suffered terrible injuries that needed urgent treatment. Rescued close to death, with hacked off ears and a severed tail, he was attended to by soldiers who feared he would not last the night. Astonishingly he did, only to return days later with new injuries. However a lifeline came when he was handed over to animal welfare Charity Nowzad and flown to Britain in the hope of finding a new life. But would anyone take a chance on a seemingly nervous and undomesticated stray? Luckily for Wylie his biggest adventure yet was about to begin...This is the incredible and heart-warming story, full of tragedy and triumph, of a dog who never gave up hope.
The Wyverns' Treasure (Nathaniel Fludd, Beastologist, Book #3)
by R. L. LaFevers Kelly MurphyAfter tangling with the deadly basilisk, Nathaniel Fludd is glad to return to England with his Aunt Phil. But someone has ransacked their home, and their best suspect is the sinister man who's been trying to steal the Book of Beasts.Before Nate and Aunt Phil can find the culprit, they are called to Welsh countryside. The wyverns (giant dragons) are in an uproar. Could the same man who ransacked the Fludd house be behind the rift with the wyverns? And just what does he want with The Book of Beasts? But before Nate can solve that mystery, he must calm the dragons before it's too late. It's just another day at work for the world's youngest beastologist!
Xavier Ox's Xylophone Experiment (Animal Antics A to Z)
by Barbara deRubertisXavier Ox loves music. But sometimes his drumming is rather EXPLOSIVE! So Alpha Betty and Xavier's classmates start an exciting experiment to build an extra-strong xylophone—just for Xavier Ox.
Xenopus Protocols
by Stefan Hoppler Peter D VizeDuring the 20th century Xenopus has flourished as an accessible experimental model system for studying vertebrate biology. The second edition of Xenopus Protocols:Post-Genomic Approaches expands upon the previous edition with novel approaches inspired by Xenopus tropicalis and the sequencing of its genome. Xenopus tropicalis genomics and tractable genetics combined with the unique experimental advantages of Xenopus laevis and their distinctive phylogenetic position make them unique model systems for vertebrate embryonic development in the 21st century. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular BiologyTM series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and key tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and practical, Xenopus Protocols: Post-Genomic Approaches, Second Edition provides a toolkit that will enable every laboratory to maximize the power of this extraordinary experimental system in the post-genomic age.
Xerophile, Revised Edition: Cactus Photographs from Expeditions of the Obsessed
by Edited by Cactus StoreAn updated edition of the cult classic, featuring stunning archival photographs of hundreds of the rarest and most spectacular plants on Earth, taken by a motley crew of cactus obsessives &“A catalogue of wonders that most of us will never get to see in person.&”—The New YorkerFrom the people behind Cactus Store comes Xerophile, a photographic collection of these improbable desert wonders in the wild. Drawing on the archives of twenty-five cactus obsessives—from PhD botanist to banker, art teacher to cancer researcher—this revised edition spans eighty years and features new and expanded descriptive notes for all 350+ photos.Xerophile brings together eighty years&’ worth of these explorers&’ remarkable images from some of the world&’s most remote habitats: a peculiar two-leaved plant that lives for millennia in the deserts of Namibia; succulents whose poisonous sap is used by hunters to fell large game in Angola; and cactus that live on snow-covered mountains in Bolivia, sink below ground level to survive droughts in Mexico, are pollinated by bats in Brazil, and grow in pure lava fields of the Galápagos Islands.
Xie's Chinese Veterinary Herbology
by Huisheng Xie Vanessa PreastXie's Chinese Veterinary Herbology serves as a practical guide to the theory and application of Chinese Herbal Medicine into veterinary practices. Divided into three parts, the book covers herbal materia medica used in treating various disorders and diseases, herbal formulas, and the clinical application of treatments. The book also outlines each herb's history, the formulation of herbal recipes, energetic actions, indications and contraindications of each formula, dosages, and clinical and pharmacological studies performed with herbal treatments. This text serves as an invaluable reference to veterinarians looking to expand treatment options.
Xie's Veterinary Acupuncture
by Huisheng Xie Vanessa PreastTraditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine has been used to treat animals in China for thousands of years. Until now, the majority of the literature on Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine has been written in Chinese. Xie's Veterinary Acupuncture serves as a comprehensive and accessible reference on the basic principles, techniques and clinical application of veterinary acupuncture. Written by a world renowned authority on veterinary acupuncture and a panel of experts, the book incorporates a traditional Chinese approach to veterinary acupuncture, including ancient and newly developed acupuncture techniques for both small and large animals. With the growing interest in veterinary acupuncture worldwide, this ground-breaking and authoritative text is a timely resource for practitioners and students alike.
Xoloitzcuintli
by Amy FernandezIn this special rare-breed book, breeder and author Amy Fernandez provides thorough, carefully researched information on this ancient breed. Regarded as one of the most ancient of all dog breeds, the Xoloitzcuintli has been called "The first Dog of the Americas" and has been celebrated in art for centuries. In Xoloitzcuintli, breeder and author Amy Fernandez provides chapters on the breeds history, physical traits and breed standards, plus detailed sections on choosing a breeder, making a safe home, feeding, exercise and grooming your Xolo. This is a must-have guide for anyone fascinated by this breed.
Yak and Dove
by Kyo MaclearSometimes the unlikeliest friends form the greatest friendships. A funny, charming picture book from a dynamic duo.Friends Yak and Dove are complete opposites. Yak is large and Dove is small. Yak has fur and Dove has feathers. Yak is polite. Dove is ill-mannered. Yak likes quiet. Dove likes noise. One day as Yak and Dove list their differences they come to the conclusion that maybe they aren't meant to be friends. In the hope of finding a new best friend, Yak holds auditions. But when a small feathered contestant sings Yak's favorite song, the two begin to think that maybe they are alike after all . . .Yak and Dove whimsically captures the highs and lows of friendship through the three interconnected tales of two very different friends.
Yaks Yak: Animal Word Pairs
by Linda Sue Park Jennifer Black ReinhardtAt once funny and informative, Yaks Yak presents animals acting out the verbs made from their names. Illustrations rich in comic details show hogs hogging, slugs slugging, and other spirited creatures demonstrating homographs, words with different meanings that are spelled and pronounced the same. A chart listing the words, their meanings, and their history is included. Ideal for sharing, this book offers a sprightly and fanciful introduction to a fun form of wordplay.
Yasmin, la guardiana del zoo (Yasmin en español)
by Saadia FaruqiYasmin's class is going to the zoo! The students love watching the animals do silly things, but when Yasmin is chosen to feed the monkeys, she's the one that does something silly. Can Yasmin fix her mistake and make friends with the monkeys? Fully translated Spanish text.
Yawn
by Sally SymesBold graphic artwork and enticing die-cuts make for a bedtime read-aloud as infectious and irresistible as a...well, you know! Sean gave a YAWN While sitting on his mat. Guess who he gave it to? A scruffy, fluffy...
Yawn! A Grumpy Cat Bedtime Story (Little Golden Book)
by Steve FoxeA bedtime-themed Little Golden Book starring the world-famous feline, Grumpy Cat.Grumpy Cat has over 8 million Facebook followers, her own TV movie, and now . . . three Little Golden Books! The world-famous feline stars in this hilarious bedtime storybook. Grumpy Cat fans of all ages will adore this Little Golden Book, which features all-new full-color illustrations.
Yay for Vaycay! (Pug Pals #2)
by Flora AhnA hilarious, highly illustrated chapter book series from talented author illustrator, Flora Ahn.The pugs are packing their bags!Sunny and Rosy's human is going on vacation and it's NO DOGS ALLOWED. But they don't mind-they're headed to Grandma and Grandpa's house for unlimited snuggles and as many pug snacks as they can eat.But when a mystery animal destroys Grandma's garden, the pugs get blamed. It's all paws on deck to clear their names. If they don't, their pugtastic vacay will be ruined!
Ye Olde Cat Memes: The Original Book of Cat Humor
by Eulalie Osgood GroverA humorous gift book featuring the original pre-internet cat memes
A Year in the City (Season to Season)
by Christina Mia GardeskiFrom snow plows to skyscraper nests and rooftop gardens, life in the city changes from season to season. Discover what animals live in the city. Learn how smog forms in summer. Real-life photographs follow the seasons and capture the beauty of a year in the city.
A Year in the Forest (Season to Season)
by Christina Mia GardeskiFrom hibernation to baby animals and falling leaves, life in the forest changes from season to season. Discover why snow is good for trees. Learn how wildfires help the forest grow. Real-life photographs follow the seasons and capture the beauty of a year in the forest.
A Year in the Pond (Season to Season)
by Christina Mia GardeskiFrom ice skating to tadpoles and migrating birds, life in the pond changes from season to season. Discover how fish stay warm in winter. Learn why butterflies fly away in fall. Real-life photographs follow the seasons and capture the beauty of a year in the pond.
A Year in the Woods: The Diary of a Forest Ranger
by Colin ElfordColin Elford's A Year in the Woods is an enthralling journey into the heart of the English countryside - with a preamble by Craig Taylor.Colin Elford spends his days alone - alone but for the deer, the squirrels, the rabbits, the birds, and the many other creatures inhabiting the woods.From the crisp cold of January, through the promise of spring and the heat of summer, and then into damp autumn and the chill winds of winter, we accompany the forest-ranger as he goes about his work - stalking in the early morning darkness, putting an injured fallow buck out of its misery, watching stoats kill a hare, observing owls, and simply being a part of the outdoors.Colin Elford immerses himself in the richly diverse and unique landscapes of Britain, existing in rhythm with natural environments. For fans of Robert Macfarlane's Landmarks, Helen Macdonald's H is for Hawk orJames Rebanks' A Shepherd's Life, Colin's rare and uplifiting journey will unveil the true nature and beauty of Britain's countryside.'This is nature for real . . . Elford describes woodland wonders in short paragraphs of luminous intensity' Daily Mail'A poetic insight in the world of hidden Nature' Countryman'Stalking sharpens the senses and there is an almost hallucinatory clarity to Elford's writing' Observer'Refreshingly unsentimental. Contains some wonderful descriptions and sentences which are so profound they demand a second reading' Sunday ExpressColin Elford is a forest ranger on the Dorset/Wiltshire border. Craig Taylor is the author of Return to Akenfield and One Million Tiny Plays About Britain and the editor of the magazine Five Dials.
A Year of Forest School : Outdoor Play and Skill-building Fun for Every Season
by Jane Worroll Peter HoughtonMore games, crafts and skills Forest School style, building on the success of Play the Forest School Way. This book is organized by season to encourage kids to get outdoors come rain, shine or snow!Following on from the bestselling Play the Forest School Way, here is a brilliant selection of brand-new games, crafts and activities to get kids developing new skills and exploring the natural world all year round. Structured around the four seasons of the year, each chapter is packed full of step-by-step Forest School games and activities that harmonize with the weather and what’s happening in nature at that time of year, with a nod to seasonal festivals such as Easter and Christmas. In spring, for example, you could make a mud birthday cake to celebrate Earth Day on 22 April, or (inspired by bird song) craft sistrums from sticks and bottle tops, or make a clay hare and enjoy dandelion tea and a chocolate egg hunt at a spring day out. At Forest School, children return to the same location again and again, building a lasting connection with a specific part of the natural world, and this book in its year-round approach will bring this aspect of Forest School play to the fore. Each of the four seasonal chapters includes a description of an extended session (combining active and quieter activities plus, for some, an idea for foraging/cooking) to guide Forest School leaders planning themed days and parents looking for party inspiration or nature days out.The Forest School ethos of nature-based play and learning that encourages children to develop confidence, self-esteem and emotional intelligence is exactly what’s needed in an era when childhood problems such as obesity and anxiety are on the rise. Woven through the year are stories from the authors’ own Forest School classes, as they make a passionate case for the importance of ensuring children’s access to nature and the incredible benefits they will gain from being outside, even in the heart of a city.